By virtue of its name being Maizuru (Japanese for a crane spreading its wings), this city welcomes you in with open arms, inviting beaches and phenomenal views. Established as a naval port in 1901, Maizuru became increasingly important during the Russo-Japanese War that followed and still serves as a center for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force today. From the historical to the unusual, Maizuru is also home to the World Brick Museum, where you'll gain insight into bricks from across the globe and can see all of the locations in Maizuru built with red bricks, which were introduced to the area in the early 20th century.